U.S. patent number 4,303,040 [Application Number 06/146,127] was granted by the patent office on 1981-12-01 for protected feeder for livestock.
Invention is credited to Fred W. Mann.
United States Patent |
4,303,040 |
Mann |
December 1, 1981 |
Protected feeder for livestock
Abstract
A protected feeder is provided for livestock which comprises a
receptacle with an open top supported at a selected position above
a ground surface and adapted to contain a livestock attracting
material therein, such as feed, salt or a mineral. A flexible cover
member with a marginal portion which extends substantially beyond
the top edge of the receptacle is mounted on the support structure
in covering relation to the open top of the receptacle and
livestock are permitted to contact the marginal portion from
underneath and displace a portion of the cover member upwardly to
gain access to the livestock attracting material in the receptacle.
The cover member has unsupported portions which tend to sag
downwardly and arcuate access openings between its marginal portion
and the top edge of the receptacle through which livestock can see
and smell the attracting material and are encouraged to lift the
cover member at the openings, although access can be had from
anywhere around the receptacle. The cover member is substantially
impervious and protects the livestock attracting material from
weather and from contamination.
Inventors: |
Mann; Fred W. (Waterville,
KS) |
Family
ID: |
22515956 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/146,127 |
Filed: |
May 2, 1980 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
119/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K
5/015 (20130101); A01K 5/01 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01K
5/00 (20060101); A01K 5/01 (20060101); A01K
005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;119/62,52R,51R,61,159,157,66 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Chamblee; Hugh R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fishburn, Gold and Litman
Claims
What is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:
1. A protected feeder for livestock comprising:
(a) a support structure;
(b) a receptacle having an open top and a side wall with a top
edge; said receptacle being adapted for supporting livestock
attracting material therein, said open top being of a size
permitting livestock to have access therethrough to the attracting
material in said receptacle; said receptacle being supported by
said support structure;
(c) a flexible cover member mounted on said support structure in
covering relation to the open top of said receptacle with a central
portion at a level above the level of said top edge and having a
marginal portion engaging the top edge of the receptacle and
extending substantially outwardly thereof, whereby livestock are
allowed to gain access thereto by upwardly flexing said cover
member;
(d) means for controlling any sagging tendency of said cover
member; said means being supported by said support structure and
having engagement with said cover member;
(e) said cover member being circular and of substantially uniform
thickness;
(f) said cover member being centrally mounted on said support
structure and radiating outwardly therefrom; and
(g) said means for controlling sagging tendency of said cover
member comprises an inherent characteristic of said cover member to
be partially self supporting.
2. A feeder as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
(a) said means for controlling any sagging tendency of said cover
member includes a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from said
support structure; said spokes having engagement with said cover
member and being adapted to control any sagging tendency thereof;
and
(b) said spokes are in spaced relationship whereby livestock are
allowed access to said livestock attracting material between said
spokes.
3. A feeder as set forth in claim 1 wherein:
(a) said support structure includes an upright member with a
vertical axis and adapted for supporting said receptacle and said
flexible cover member thereon.
4. A feeder as set forth in claim 3 wherein:
(a) said cover member tends to sag due to the force of gravity
whereby sections thereof extending outwardly from said upright
member deflect downwardly towards said marginal portion thereby
defining contours between said sections; and
(b) said contours define arcuate access openings between said
marginal portion of said flexible cover member and said receptacle
wall top edge.
5. A feeder as set forth in claim 4 wherein:
(a) said flexible cover member is attached at the center thereof to
said support structure;
(b) said flexible cover member has a generally arched configuration
when not disturbed by livestock;
(c) said contours are at opposite ends of said arched
configuration; and wherein
(d) said livestock may raise said flexible cover member at said
arcuate access openings as well as at any point along said marginal
edge of the flexible cover member such that the livestock may
partake of the livestock attracting material within said
receptacle.
6. A feeder as set forth in claim 3 which includes:
(a) said receptacle and said flexible cover member being rotatable
mounted with respect to said upright member for free rotation about
the vertical axis thereof;
(b) said receptacle and said flexible cover member being slidably
movable with respect to said upright member; and
(c) means to secure said receptacle and said flexible cover member
in a selected position along said upright member.
7. A feeder as set forth in claim 6 wherein said means to secure
said receptacle and said flexible cover member on said upright
member includes:
(a) a telescoping member slidably engaging said upright member and
being adapted for free rotation about the vertical axis
thereof:
(b) means to support said telescoping member in a selected position
along said upright member;
(c) a receptacle support frame slidably engaging and securable to
telescoping member and being adapted to support said receptacle
thereon; and
(d) means to secure said flexible cover member to said telescoping
member.
8. A feeder as set forth in claim 7 wherein:
(a) said means to support said telescoping member along said
upright member includes:
(1) a first annular collar member slidably movable along and
securable to said upright member; and
(b) said receptacle support frame comprises:
(1) a second annular collar member slidably movable along said
telescoping member and adapted for securing said frame in a
selected position on said telescoping member;
(2) a plurality of circumferentially spaced arms extending radially
outwardly and upwardly from said second annular collar member, each
of said arms having an end fixedly attached to said second annular
collar member and an opposite end; and
(3) a peripheral member connecting said opposite ends of said arms
and adapted for engaging and supporting said receptacle.
9. A feeder as set forth in claim 8 which includes:
(a) said receptacle support frame being detachable from said
support structure; and
(b) said receptacle support frame being stackable substantially
within a similar receptacle support frame.
10. An apparatus for feeding livestock comprising:
(a) a support structure having a base and an upright member with a
vertical axis extending upwardly from said base;
(b) a receptacle having an open top, an enclosure forming side wall
with a top edge, and a bottom wall; said receptacle being adapted
for supporting livestock attracting material therein, said open top
being of a size permitting one or more livestock to have access
therethrough to the livestock attracting material in said
receptacle;
(c) a flexible cover member mounted on said upright member in
covering relation to the open top of said receptacle with a central
portion at a level above the level of said top edge and having a
peripheral portion extending substantially outwardly thereof,
whereby livestock are allowed to engage the peripheral portion of
said cover member and to gain access to said receptacle by upwardly
flexing a portion of said cover member;
(d) said cover member having a sagging tendency such that sections
thereof extending outwardly from said upright member deflect
downwardly towards said top edge with contours between said
sections;
(e) a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from said support
structure; said spokes having engagement with said cover member and
being adapted to support same and control any sagging tendency
thereof;
(f) said downwardly deflecting sections being spaced between said
spokes;
(g) said spokes being in spaced relationship whereby livestock are
allowed access to said livestock attracting material between said
spokes; and
(h) said contours define arcuate access openings between the
peripheral portion of said flexible cover member and said
receptacle side wall top edge.
11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein:
(a) the cover member engages near said peripheral portion thereof
said top edge of the receptacle side wall.
12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 which includes:
(a) said receptacle and said flexible cover member being rotatably
mounted with respect to said upright member for free rotation about
the vertical axis thereof;
(b) said receptacle and said flexible cover member being slidably
movable with respect to said upright member; and
(c) means to secure said receptacle and said flexible cover member
in a selected position along said upright member.
13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said means to
secure said receptacle and said flexible cover member along said
upright member includes:
(a) a telescoping member slidably engaging said upright member and
being adapted for free rotation about the vertical axis
thereof;
(b) means to support said telescoping member in a selected position
along said upright member;
(c) a receptacle support frame slidably engaging and securable to
said telescoping member and being adapted to support said
receptacle thereon; and
(d) means to secure said flexible cover member to said telescoping
member.
14. A device for feeding livestock comprising:
(a) a support structure having a base and an upright member with a
vertical axis, said upright member being attached to and extending
vertically from said base;
(b) a receptacle having an open top, an enclosure forming side wall
with a top edge, and a bottom wall; said receptacle being adapted
for supporting livestock attracting material therein; said open top
being of a size permitting one or more livestock to have access
therethrough to the livestock attracting material in said
receptacle;
(c) a telescoping member slidably engaging said upright member and
being adapted for free rotation about the vertical axis
thereof;
(d) a first annular collar member slidably movable along said
upright member and adapted for supporting said telescoping member
in a selected position on said upright member;
(e) a receptacle support frame slidably engaging and securable to
said telescoping member and being adapted to support said
receptacle thereon, said receptacle support frame including:
(1) a second annular collar member slidably movable along said
telescoping member and adapted for securing said frame in a
selected position on said telescoping member;
(2) a plurality of circumferentially spaced arms extending radially
outwardly and upwardly from said second annular collar member, each
of said arms having an end fixedly attached to said second annular
collar member and an opposite end; and
(3) a peripheral member connecting said opposite ends of said arms
and adapted for engaging and supporting said receptacle;
(f) a substantially impervious and flexible cover member with a
central portion mounted on said telescoping member above the level
of said top edge of the receptacle for covering and protecting the
livestock attracting material supported by said receptacle; said
cover member having a peripheral portion extending substantially
outwardly of said top edge of the receptacle side wall; said cover
member being in covering relation to said open top of said
receptacle such that said cover member must be flexed and displaced
upwardly by livestock to allow the livestock to gain access to the
livestock attracting material contained in said receptacle; said
peripheral portion permitting livestock to engage and displace said
cover member upwardly sufficiently to provide access by the
livestock to the livestock attracting material in said receptacle;
and
(g) a cover reinforcing member comprising:
(1) a plurality of circumferentially spaced spokes attached to said
telescoping member and extending horizontally and radially from
said telescoping member beneath said cover member; said spokes
being for controlling any sagging tendency of said cover
member;
(2) said spokes being in spaced relationship whereby livestock
attracting material between said spokes; and
(3) said spokes supporting sections of the peripheral portion of
the cover member above the top edge of said receptacle; thereby
defining access openings between said peripheral portion and said
receptacle top edge.
15. A protected feeder structure for livestock comprising:
(a) an upright support structure having a cover, ground-engaging
end portion and a central upright member;
(b) a receptacle mounted on said support structure for containing a
quantity of livestock attracting material, said receptacle having a
bottom portion and a surrounding sidewall defining an open top
sized to admit the muzzles of livestock;
(c) said central upright member extending upwardly through said
bottom portion and terminating a distance above said sidewall;
(d) a cover member having a central portion mounted to said upright
member generally at the termination thereof and spreading outwardly
over said open top in protective, covering relation with a
surrounding marginal portion resting upon said sidewall, said cover
member being resiliently flexible for lifting by livestock from any
direction therearound to gain access to said receptacle and the
livestock attracting material therein by flexing upwardly said
marginal portion; and
(e) stiffener means in said cover means providing at least partial
self support and controlling any sagging tendency thereof to
maintain said cover member in protective relationship to said
receptacle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to feeders for livestock and in
particular to a feeder having a flexible cover member in a covering
relationship with respect to a receptacle containing a livestock
attracting material such as feed, salt, a mineral or the like.
Protected feeders are known in the field of animal husbandry and a
variety of different designs have been developed in an attempt to
allow livestock access to feed or other attracting material and at
the same time protect the material from the elements and
contamination. One type of protected feeder which is illustrated in
the Hatcher U.S. Pat. No. 2,709,988 comprises a trough with a
pivotally mounted inflexible cover which may be pushed aside by
livestock to gain access to feed or salt. However, feeders such as
these having pivotally mounted inflexible covers tend to be
cumbersome for the animals to use and do not protect the feed or
other attracting material while the livestock are feeding. Also,
the inflexible hoods must be spaced from the receptacle for the
attracting material a sufficient distance to allow the livestock
access thereto which, in turn, leaves substantial open areas
unprotected for rain, snow, contamination or the like to blow into
the receptacle and damage the attracting material whether livestock
are using the receptacle or not.
In the present device the cover is positioned relatively close to
the open top of the receptacle for the attracting material and
thereby prevents alien material from falling or blowing into the
receptacle, yet the cover is flexible or pliable enough that the
livestock may engage and raise it to gain access to the attracting
material. Preferably the cover tends to shroud the portion of the
animal's body extending into the receptacle, thereby protecting the
contents of the receptacle from weather and contamination while the
livestock are feeding.
Heretofore, there has not been available a protected feeder for
livestock which utilizes a simple yet efficient flexible cover
member which livestock may flex upwardly and thereby feed in an
open-top receptacle. The present invention provides a feeder with
such a flexible cover, and because the cover is only displaced when
and where the livestock physically engage it, the feed material
remains protected. When animals are no longer feeding and leave the
feeder, the flexible cover member is free to drop back to the
protecting position thereof and thereby keep the remaining feed or
the receptacle clean and dry. Even while feeding the bodies of the
livestock shield the feeder where the cover is raised, and the
entire feeder and its contents are substantially protected against
the elements.
Insecticide applicators have been used in conjunction with
protected feeders as exemplified by my U.S. Pat. No. 3,821,940, No.
3,941,096 and No. 4,023,533 and the Gilmore et al U.S. Pat. No.
3,187,772. While the contents of such a feed receptacle may be
shielded from weather by the insecticide dispenser, there remains
the problem of contamination by the insecticide material.
Therefore, it is foreseen that applicant's structure is adapted for
use with an insecticide dispensing device and avoids contamination
problems created by the insecticide in addition to other possible
contaminates.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide a
feeder for livestock which affords a high degree of protection to
livestock attracting material from weather and contamination; to
provide such a feeder which allows livestock easy and convenient
access to the livestock attracting material contained therein; to
provide a livestock feeder which is easily filled or replenished
with feed or other livestock attracting material; to provide such a
feeder having a flexible, substantially impervious cover member
which can be readily upwardly displaced by livestock to gain access
to the feed or other livestock attracting material beneath and
protected by the cover; to provide a protected feeder with such a
cover having a marginal portion extending substantially beyond the
top edge of the receptacle which may be engaged and upwardly
displaced by livestock; to provide a livestock feeder with a cover
which will reposition itself in protecting relationship over the
livestock attracting material during and after use thereof by
livestock; to provide a protected feeder with a flexible cover
member which drapes over the top of the receptacle with downward
flexing portions divided by contours whereby arcuate openings are
defined between the peripheral edge of the cover member and the top
edge of the receptacle; to provide an adjustable livestock feeder
to allow for use by animals of different heights; to provide a
livestock feeder with a feed receptacle and a flexible cover member
independently vertically adjustable both with respect to each other
and with respect to their respective heights above a ground
surface; to provide a livestock feeder which may be readily
disassembled and the component parts of which may be stacked
substantially within similar parts for convenient transportation
and storage; to provide a livestock feeder adapted for use with
feed, mineral feeds, granular salt, and other nutrients which are
damaged by water and which could heretofore not be fed in the
field; to provide a protected feeder adapted for use in conjunction
with a device for dispensing insecticide material which protects
the feed from contamination by insecticide; and to provide such a
protected feeder which is economical to manufacture, efficient in
use, capable of a long operating life, and particularly well
adapted for the proposed use thereof.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent
from the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration
and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of the specification and include an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention and illustrate
various objects and features of the protected feeder.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a protected animal feeder embodying
features of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the protected feeder
taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the protected feeder with portions
broken away to better illustrate component parts thereof.
FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the present invention
taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3 showing in phantom lines an animal
feeding in the protected feeder.
FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modified form of a
protected feeder taken along line 5--5 in FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the modified form of the protected
feeder shown with portions broken away to better illustrate
component parts thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower",
"rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and various directional
derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 2 for the first embodiment and FIG. 5 for the second
embodiment. However, it is to be understood that the invention may
assume various alternative orientations except where expressly
specified to the contrary.
Referring to the drawings in more detail:
In the first embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in
FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a
protected feeder for livestock. The feeder 1 includes a receptacle
2 adapted to support a livestock attracting material such as feed,
salt, minerals or the like 3 therein at a selected position above a
ground or support surface 4. A flexible cover member 5 is mounted
in covering relation above the open top of receptacle 2 for
covering and protecting the livestock attracting material 3 from
weather and contamination. The cover member 5 may be flexed
upwardly by the livestock to thereby allow same to gain access to
the livestock attracting material 3 through the open top of the
receptacle 2. As illustrated in the first embodiment of the
invention, the protected feeder 1 includes a base 6 and a pole or
upright member 7 with a vertical axis extending upwardly therefrom.
The base 6 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced legs 8
engaging the support surface 4 and extending radially outwardly
from the upright member 7. The base 6 may be positioned on or
anchored to the support surface 4 in any desired manner. The
receptacle 2 includes a bottom 11 with an aperture 12 in
approximately the center thereof. The receptacle 2 also includes a
side wall 13 with a top edge 14. The top edge 14 defines a rim 15
and a channel 16 around the periphery of the receptacle 2.
A telescoping member 19 is illustrated as a pipe having a slightly
larger diameter than the upright member 7 upon which it is mounted
and is slidably movable along and rotatable with respect to the
upright member 7. The telescoping member 19 is supported by and
rests on a first annular collar member 22 which is slidably secured
to the upright member 7 by set screw 23. A receptacle support frame
10 is comprised of a second annular collar member 22' which is
slidably secured to the telescoping member 19 by a pair of set
screws 23' in the illustrated embodiment. A plurality of
circumferentially spaced arms 20 having lower ends 20' are attached
to the collar member 22' and extend outwardly and upwardly
therefrom. A peripheral member 24 is comprised of an L-shaped angle
member formed into a circle and attached to upper ends 21 of the
arms 20 as shown. The channel 16 associated with the top edge 14 of
the receptacle 2 is adapted for receiving the peripheral member 24
to thereby support the receptacle 2.
The receptacle side walls 13 and the circumferentially spaced arms
20 both have a slightly downwardly-converging configuration in the
illustrated embodiment. This allows for convenient stacking of a
plurality of receptacles 2 and receptacle support frames 10
substantially one within another when a plurality of disassembled
protected feeders 1 are stored or transported.
In the first embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in
FIGS. 1 through 4, a central portion of the cover member 5 is
supported by the telescoping member 19 in spaced relationship above
the level of the plane defined by the receptacle top edge 14 a
sufficient amount to allow an animal desiring to feed in the
receptacle to easily raise the cover member 5. The flexible cover
member 5 has an aperture 21 through the approximate center thereof
which is adapted for receiving therethrough a threaded shaft 30
which is attached to and extends upwardly from a circular plate 29
in the upper end 9 of the telescoping member 19. A suitable washer
32 is sleeved on the threaded shaft 30 above the cover member 5 and
is held in position by a suitable nut 33.
Height adjustment of the receptacle 2 and the flexible cover member
5 may be achieved by varying the placement of the first annular
collar member 22 along the upright member 7 and thereby raising or
lowering the telescoping member 19. Because both the receptacle 2
and the flexible cover member 5 are supported by the telescoping
member 19, they are maintained in a constant spaced relationship as
the protected feeder 1 is adjusted to accommodate animals of
varying heights. Similarly, the second annular collar member 22'
allows for adjustment of the spaced relationship between the
receptacle support frame 10 and the flexible cover member 5 and
therefore the degree of protection offorded the feed material 3
from the elements. Because the receptacle telescoping member 19 and
the receptacle support frame 10 thereon may be independently
vertically adjusted both with respect to each other and with
respect to a ground surface 4, the protected feeder 1 may assume a
variety of configurations to respond to different feeding
conditions. The rotatability of the telescoping member 19 with
respect to the upright member 7 allows the receptacle 2 and the
flexible cover member 5 to rotate about the upright member 7 if an
animal exerts a lateral force against the protected feeder and
thereby bending of and damage thereto is avoided.
The cover member 5 illustrated is of suitable size that a marginal
portion 25 of the cover member 5 extends outwardly substantially
beyond the top edge 14 of the receptacle 2 to a peripheral edge 26.
In addition to providing greater protection for the feed material
3, the marginal portion 25 also allows livestock to engage the
cover member 5 from underneath and thereby upwardly displace the
flexible cover member. The cover member 5 is flexible and pliable
and, although preferably comprised of a material which has an
inherent characteristic of being at least partially
self-supporting, tends to sag somewhat when only partially
supported, as by the telescoping member 19. The sagging tendency of
the flexible cover member 5 causes outward portions 37 thereof to
flex downwardly towards the top edge 14 of the receptacle 2 with
which the downwardly flexing outward portions 37 may have contact,
as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, or, alternatively, they may be in
spaced relationship above the top edge 14 so that the flexible
cover member 5 is supported only by the telescoping member 19.
Portions of the flexible cover member 5 not deflected downwardly
define contours 36 which are in spaced relationship above the top
edge 14 of the receptacle 2.
In the first illustrated embodiment, the downward flexing portions
37 lie on opposite sides of the flexible cover member 5 and are
divided by the contours 36. The contours 36 are generally aligned
along a horizontal axis which intersects with and is perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis of the telescoping member 19. The flexible
cover member 5 thereby assumes an archlike configuration in
covering relation to the receptacle 2 and defines arcuate access
openings 38 on opposite sides thereof. Preferably, the cover member
5 extends outwardly from the receptacle top edge 14 so as to shield
the access openings 38. Said arcuate access openings 38 occur
between the marginal portion 25 of the flexible cover member 5 and
the top edge 14 of the receptacle 2. The arcuate access openings 38
serve to encourage livestock to engage the marginal portion 25 of
the flexible cover member 5 and upwardly displace same; thereby
allowing access to the feed 3 in the receptacle 2. When the
flexible cover member 5 assumes such an arcuate configuration the
livestock can be feed material 3 through the arcuate access
openings 38 and have access thereto by lifting the cover member 5.
However, livestock may also gain access to the receptacle 2 at any
point around the rim 15 thereof by engaging the marginal portion 25
of the cover member 5 and upwardly displacing same. In actual tests
it has been observed that the more aggressive animals will engage
and displace the cover member 5 at any point along the marginal
portion 25 thereof while more timid animals are drawn to the
arcuate access openings 38 and then displace the contours 36 of the
flexible cover member 5 and thereby feed on the material 3 in the
receptacle 2.
When livestock are feeding in the receptacle 2, the cover member 5
will be displaced upwardly only enough for the head and neck of the
animal to pass between the marginal portion 25 and the receptacle
top edge 14. The cover member 5 and the animals' bodies will tend
to substantially cover the open top of the receptacle 2 and protect
the contents of same from the elements. When the livestock are
through feeding and withdraw from the feeder 1, the sagging
tendency of the cover member 5 will cause it to resume its position
in covering relation to the open top of the receptacle 2. The
continuous protection thus afforded the livestock attracting
material 3 by the cover member 5 makes the present invention
particularly well adapted for feeding livestock in any type of
weather condition and for use with feed materials and minerals 3
which would otherwise be harmed by exposure to rain, snow, or other
alien material falling or blowing into the receptacle. It will also
be understood that because any portion of the cover member 5 may be
flexed upwardly to gain access to the feed material 3, the
protected feeder 1 is limited in the number of cattle it can
service only by the size of the receptacle 2. Also, different
portions of the flexible cover member 5 deflect substantially
independently of the rest of the cover 5 and livestock may thereby
access the receptacle 2 singly or in groups without substantially
decreasing the protecting afforded the feed material 3 from the
elements, because portions of the cover member 5 not deflected
upwardly by livestock will tend to remain in covering relation over
the open top of the receptacle 2.
Although the cover member 5 of the present embodiment forms two
arcuate access openings 38 when not being used and allowed to hang
freely, it is foreseen that the cover member 5 may have more such
arcuate openings around its marginal portion 25 in which case the
operative cover would have a scalloped appearance or, as another
possibility, where no openings are desired the cover member 5 could
engage the entire receptacle top edge 14 until raised by an animal
desiring to feed therein.
The reference numeral 1a (FIGS. 5 and 6) generally represents a
second embodiment of the invention. Since the protected feeder 1a
is otherwise substantially the same as the previously described
apparatus 1, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 5 and 6 and FIGS. 1
through 4 respectively are represented by the same corresponding
reference numeral except for the addition of the suffix "a" to the
numerals of the second embodiment.
The protected feeder 1a of the second embodiment includes a
flexible cover member 5a of suitable size such that a marginal
portion 25a thereof extends outwardly to a peripheral edge 26a
substantially beyond a top edge 14a of a receptacle 2a. In addition
to providing protection for feed material 3a, the marginal portion
25a also allows livestock to engage the cover member 5a from
underneath and thereby upwardly displace the flexible cover member
5a. A plurality of circumferentially spaced spokes 41 are attached
to the upper end 9a of the telescoping member 19a and extend
outwardly and radially therefrom and are adapted for supporting the
flexible cover member 5a thereon. The spokes 41 include a
horizontal portion 43, a bent portion 44 and a downwardly and
inwardly extending portion 45 which is substantially parallel with
a side wall 13a of the receptacle 2a. The downwardly and inwardly
extending portion 45 of the spokes 41 are spaced inwardly from the
receptacle side wall 13a. The spokes 41 terminate at distal ends 46
which are in spaced relationship below the top edge 14a of the
receptacle 2a whereby livestock accessing the feed material 3a are
not injured by contact therewith.
Because the cover member 5a is flexible and pliable, portions 37a
thereof which are not directly supported, such as those between the
spokes 41, tend to sag somewhat and slope downwardly and have
contact with the top edge 14a of the receptacle 2a thereby defining
contours 36a with downwardly flexing portions 37a therebetween
which give the cover member 5a a scalloped appearance when not in
use such that the cover member 52 is allowed to hang freely.
Arcuate access openings 38a are thereby defined by the flexible
cover member 5a between the marginal portion 25a and the top edge
14a of the receptacle side wall 13a. The arcuate access openings
38a occur outwardly from the spokes 41 which are circumferentially
spaced whereby livestock may feed therebetween. The arcuate access
openings 38a allow the livestock to see the feed material 3a in the
receptacle 2a and have easy access thereto, however, as with the
first described embodiment of the present invention the livestock
may access the receptacle 2a at any point around the rim 15a
thereof except where the spokes 41 prevent such access. Therefore,
while timid livestock may be inclined to access the receptacle 2a
through the arcuate access openings 38a as with the first
embodiment, more aggressive livestock may upwardly deflect the
downwardly flexing portions 37a of the cover member 5a at any point
around the marginal portion 25a thereof and thereby use the
protected feeder 1a.
While the second embodiment of the invention disclosed herein
teaches using four spokes 41 for supporting the flexible cover
member 5a, it will be readily apparent that fewer or more spokes 41
may be utilized to define virtually any number of contours 36a and
arcuate access openings 38a.
It is foreseen that although circular feed receptacles 2 and 2a and
cover members 5 and 5a have been disclosed herein, other shapes
such as rectangular or square receptacles and/or covers could be
utilized according to the present invention. A variety of
configurations of the present invention may thereby be employed to
satisfy the needs of livestock under different feeding conditions.
It is also foreseen that the protected feeder 1 or 1a could be
utilized in combination with other devices such as livestock
insecticide applicators.
It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present
invention have been described and illustrated, it is not to be
limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts herein
described and shown.
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